BatcherBird Documentation

Installation

BatcherBird is currently available for macOS. Download the latest release from the main page or GitHub releases.

Quick Start

1. Connect your hardware synthesizer to your audio interface
2. Connect MIDI cables from your interface to your synthesizer
3. Launch BatcherBird
4. Select your audio interface and MIDI device
5. Choose a sampling mode (Single Note or Range)
6. Press Record to start sampling

Requirements

Hardware Requirements

• Audio Interface: Any Core Audio compatible interface with line inputs
• MIDI Interface: Built into most audio interfaces or separate USB MIDI interface
• Synthesizer: Any hardware synth with MIDI input and audio output
• Cables: MIDI cables and audio cables (1/4" or XLR depending on your setup)

Tested Hardware

Audio Interface Setup

BatcherBird uses Core Audio to interface with your audio hardware. Most professional audio interfaces will work out of the box.

Connection Steps

1. Connect your synthesizer's audio output to your interface's line inputs
2. Set appropriate input levels (aim for -12dB to -6dB peaks)
3. Launch BatcherBird and select your interface from the audio device menu
4. Choose the correct input channels

MIDI Configuration

MIDI setup is crucial for BatcherBird to communicate with your synthesizer.

MIDI Connection

• Connect MIDI OUT from your interface to MIDI IN on your synthesizer
• Set your synthesizer to receive on MIDI channel 1 (or note the channel)
• In BatcherBird, select your MIDI output device
• Set the correct MIDI channel to match your synthesizer

MIDI Settings

Connecting Your Synth

Synthesizer Preparation

• Set synthesizer to MIDI channel 1 (or remember which channel)
• Disable local control if available
• Set up your desired sound/patch
• Adjust output levels for optimal recording

Single Note Sampling

Perfect for sampling individual notes or testing your setup.

Steps

1. Select "Single Note" mode
2. Choose the MIDI note to sample (C4 = 60)
3. Set recording length and release time
4. Click "Record" to capture the sample
5. Review the waveform and adjust settings if needed

Range Sampling

Automatically sample a range of notes - the core feature of BatcherBird.

Range Settings

• Start Note: Lowest note to sample (e.g., C2)
• End Note: Highest note to sample (e.g., C6)
• Interval: Semitones between samples (1 = chromatic, 12 = octaves)

Sampling Process

BatcherBird will automatically:

1. Send MIDI note on for each note in the range
2. Record the audio response
3. Send MIDI note off
4. Continue recording for the release tail
5. Move to the next note
6. Export all samples when complete

Velocity Layers

Create multiple velocity layers for more realistic and dynamic samples.

Velocity Layer Settings

• Number of Layers: How many velocity levels (1-8 recommended)
• Velocity Range: Min/max velocity values
• Distribution: Even spread or custom velocity points

Release Samples

Capture the natural release characteristics of your synthesizer.

Release Sample Types

• Natural Release: Continue recording after note off
• Forced Release: Trigger release samples separately

Settings

• Release Length: How long to record after note off
• Threshold: Audio level below which to stop recording

Export Settings

Audio Format

• Format: WAV (32-bit float recommended)
• Sample Rate: Match your interface (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz)
• Bit Depth: 32-bit float for maximum quality

File Naming

BatcherBird uses a consistent naming convention:

Metadata

Each sample includes embedded metadata:

• MIDI note number
• Velocity value
• Root key information
• Loop points (if applicable)

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Supported Hardware

Audio Interfaces

BatcherBird works with any Core Audio compatible interface. Tested devices include:

Tested Synthesizers

Getting Help

Need more help? Here are additional resources:

• GitHub Issues: Report bugs or request features
• Community: Join discussions about hardware sampling
• Updates: Follow the project for new releases and features